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Gigaset GX290 Review: Mobile phone warhorse with long battery life

The pith of Münsterland. With a comparatively compact rugged smartphone, Gigaset wants to attract a further clientele and is focusing on a mixture of good equipment, large energy storage and sustainability under the "Made in Germany" flag. You can read in the test whether the recipe is convincing.
Gigaset GX290 (GX Series)
Processor
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V 8 x 2 GHz, Cortex-A53
Graphics adapter
Memory
3 GB 
Display
6.10 inch 19.5:9, 1560 x 720 pixel 282 PPI, Capacitive, IPS, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, glossy: yes
Storage
32 GB eMMC Flash, 32 GB 
Connections
1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: 3.5mm, Card Reader: microSD up to 256 GB (FAT, FAT32), 1 Fingerprint Reader, NFC, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: Position, Approach and Geometric Sensor, Gyroscope, USB-C, FM-Radio, USB-OTG
Networking
802.11a/b/g/n (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 5.0, GSM/GPRS/Edge (850, 900, 1,800 and 1,900 MHz), UMTS/HSPA+ (900 and 2,100 MHz), LTE Cat. 6 (800, 850, 900, 1,800, 2,100 and 2,600 MHz), VoLTE, WLAN Calling, Dual SIM, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 15.3 x 162.4 x 79 ( = 0.6 x 6.39 x 3.11 in)
Battery
23.87 Wh, 6200 mAh Lithium-Polymer, 3.85 V, wireless charging (up to 15 watts)
Charging
wireless charging, fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Android 9.0 Pie
Camera
Primary Camera: 13 MPix (Sony IMX214, f/2.0) + 2 MPix
Secondary Camera: 8 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: Mono, Keyboard: Virtual, Power supply, USB cable, SIM tool, documentation, 24 Months Warranty, fanless, ruggedized, waterproof
Weight
279 g ( = 9.84 oz / 0.62 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
330 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Vergleichsgeräte

Bewertung
Datum
Modell
Gewicht
Akku
Laufwerk
Groesse
Aufloesung
Preis ab
75.9 %
11/2019
Gigaset GX290
Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2
279 g620032 GB eMMC Flash6.10"1560x720
74 %
08/2019
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2
172 g280032 GB eMMC Flash5.00"1280x720
76.2 %
08/2019
Ulefone Armor 6E
Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3
268 g500064 GB eMMC Flash6.20"2246x1080
75.7 %
04/2019
Cubot King Kong 3
Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2
280 g600064 GB eMMC Flash5.50"1440x720

Case, Equipment and Operation

The Gigaset GX 290 has the typical shape of a rugged smartphone, but its rounded edges and rubberized surface make it relatively easy to hold, even though it weighs 279 grams. The two-component TPU injection-moulded housing is reinforced by a sturdy metal frame so that even falls from a height of 1.20 metres can be safely pushed away from the smartphone. In addition, the GX290 is IP68 dust and waterproof. 

The equipment is comparatively luxurious. The USB-C port is capable of OTG and Power Delivery (USB-PD), which is why not only peripherals can be connected to the smartphone, but other devices can also be charged. The GX290 also supports Pump Express+ fast charging technology with up to 18 watts and wireless charging (max. 15 watts). The audio jack and USB port are concealed behind a cover for optimal protection. An analogue radio receiver is also integrated. A memory expansion using an optional microSD card is possible, but the exFAT file system is not supported and formatting as internal memory is not possible. 

The fingerprint sensor on the back works very fast and reliable and leads the user directly to the start screen or to an active app after unlocking. Face recognition also works well, but this is only a less reliable 2D recognition.

The operating system used is Android 9.0 Pie, which has the security patches of September 5, 2019 at the time of testing. Due to the lack of DRM widevine L1 certification, protected content cannot be streamed in HD. 

Size comparison

166 mm / 6.54 inch 83 mm / 3.27 inch 13.3 mm / 0.524 inch 268 g0.591 lbs162.4 mm / 6.39 inch 79 mm / 3.11 inch 15.3 mm / 0.602 inch 279 g0.615 lbs162.5 mm / 6.4 inch 78.3 mm / 3.08 inch 13.3 mm / 0.524 inch 280 g0.617 lbs146.2 mm / 5.76 inch 73.3 mm / 2.89 inch 9.7 mm / 0.3819 inch 172 g0.3792 lbs148 mm / 5.83 inch 105 mm / 4.13 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 1.5 g0.00331 lbs
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
802.11a/b/g/n
263 (227min - 296max) MBit/s +141%
Gigaset GX290
802.11a/b/g/n
109 (87min - 114max) MBit/s
Ulefone Armor 6E
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
52.3 (48min - 56max) MBit/s -52%
Cubot King Kong 3
802.11a/b/g/n
50.2 (35min - 54max) MBit/s -54%
iperf3 receive AX12
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
802.11a/b/g/n
274 (197min - 295max) MBit/s +149%
Gigaset GX290
802.11a/b/g/n
110 (95min - 119max) MBit/s
Cubot King Kong 3
802.11a/b/g/n
63 (56min - 62max) MBit/s -43%
Ulefone Armor 6E
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
58.7 (57min - 60max) MBit/s -47%
0153045607590105120135150165180195210225240255270285Tooltip
Gigaset GX290 Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, ARM Mali-G71 MP2; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø105.1 (95-119)
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s Samsung Exynos 7884B, ARM Mali-G71 MP2; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø273 (197-295)
Ulefone Armor 6E Mediatek Helio P70, ARM Mali-G72 MP3; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø57.8 (56-60)
Cubot King Kong 3 Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, ARM Mali-G71 MP2; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø59.7 (56-62)
Gigaset GX290 Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, ARM Mali-G71 MP2; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø108.9 (87-114)
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s Samsung Exynos 7884B, ARM Mali-G71 MP2; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø263 (227-296)
Ulefone Armor 6E Mediatek Helio P70, ARM Mali-G72 MP3; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø52.2 (48-56)
Cubot King Kong 3 Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, ARM Mali-G71 MP2; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø50.1 (35-54)

Cameras - GX290 with Dual Camera

The Gigaset GX290's 8 MP front camera takes decent pictures. In daylight, however, bright areas in the background quickly burn out and in low light there is visible noise early on. 

The dual camera on the back offers 13 plus 2 MP, while the second lens is only responsible for collecting information for the bokeh effect. The image quality is rather mediocre. Different lighting situations quickly overtax the automatic camera and the dynamic range is comparatively low. The ArcSoft software offers many settings and features for this purpose. Videos are possible in Full HD with a maximum of 30 FPS. 

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

Scene 1Scene 2Scene 3
click to load images
ColorChecker
5.9 ∆E
6.5 ∆E
6 ∆E
7.1 ∆E
6.2 ∆E
4.5 ∆E
5 ∆E
7.4 ∆E
6.3 ∆E
4 ∆E
5.1 ∆E
5.4 ∆E
4.6 ∆E
6.7 ∆E
5.1 ∆E
1.6 ∆E
4 ∆E
3.8 ∆E
1.1 ∆E
3.1 ∆E
3.9 ∆E
3.5 ∆E
7.3 ∆E
8.6 ∆E
ColorChecker Gigaset GX290: 5.11 ∆E min: 1.15 - max: 8.56 ∆E
ColorChecker
28.8 ∆E
54.2 ∆E
40.4 ∆E
36.6 ∆E
45.5 ∆E
62.7 ∆E
52.9 ∆E
36.4 ∆E
43.1 ∆E
28.8 ∆E
64.9 ∆E
63.6 ∆E
32 ∆E
48.4 ∆E
37.1 ∆E
76.3 ∆E
43.9 ∆E
45.7 ∆E
92.9 ∆E
71 ∆E
52 ∆E
37 ∆E
24 ∆E
13.7 ∆E
ColorChecker Gigaset GX290: 47.17 ∆E min: 13.67 - max: 92.94 ∆E
Testchart @ 2.500 Lux
Testchart @ 1 Lux
Selfie mit dem GX290

Display - Gigaset mobile phone with bright panel

The Gigaset GX290 features a 6.1-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1,560 x 720 pixels and high maximum luminosity as well as uniform illumination. With the APL50 measurement, the values are at the same level and full brightness can be called up in manual mode. 

The Gigaset smartphone performs pretty well outdoors and remains readable at all times, even though the reflections will force the user into the shadows on bright days. On the other hand, the display color is weak. 

592
cd/m²
637
cd/m²
635
cd/m²
589
cd/m²
635
cd/m²
633
cd/m²
581
cd/m²
606
cd/m²
629
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 637 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 615.2 cd/m² Minimum: 3.83 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 91 %
Center on Battery: 635 cd/m²
Contrast: 1628:1 (Black: 0.39 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 10.5 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 11.8 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
93.3% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 1.86
Gigaset GX290
IPS, 1560x720, 6.10
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
IPS (PLS), 1280x720, 5.00
Ulefone Armor 6E
IPS, 2246x1080, 6.20
Cubot King Kong 3
IPS, 1440x720, 5.50
Response Times
-57%
-32%
-44%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
34.4 ?(7.6, 26.8)
42 ?(20.8, 21.2)
-22%
36 ?(21, 15)
-5%
44 ?(21, 23)
-28%
Response Time Black / White *
17.6 ?(5.2, 12.4)
33.6 ?(21.2, 12.4)
-91%
28 ?(15, 13)
-59%
28 ?(15, 13)
-59%
PWM Frequency
100 ?(15)
Screen
1%
9%
10%
Brightness middle
635
525
-17%
357
-44%
365
-43%
Brightness
615
513
-17%
352
-43%
379
-38%
Brightness Distribution
91
90
-1%
91
0%
82
-10%
Black Level *
0.39
0.52
-33%
0.24
38%
0.14
64%
Contrast
1628
1010
-38%
1488
-9%
2607
60%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
10.5
6
43%
6.08
42%
8.03
24%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
17.9
10.9
39%
9.46
47%
16.34
9%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
11.8
7.8
34%
7
41%
10.3
13%
Gamma
1.86 118%
2.53 87%
2.292 96%
2.197 100%
CCT
9570 68%
8605 76%
7695 84%
9941 65%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-28% / -10%
-12% / 1%
-17% / -1%

* ... smaller is better

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
17.6 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 5.2 ms rise
↘ 12.4 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 33 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
34.4 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 7.6 ms rise
↘ 26.8 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 41 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18100 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.


Grayscale (target color space:sRGB)
Grayscale (target color space:sRGB)
Mixed colors (target color space:sRGB)
Mixed colors (target color space:sRGB)
Color space (target color space:sRGB)
Color space (target color space:sRGB)
Saturation (target color space:sRGB)
Saturation (target color space:sRGB)

Performance, Emissions and Battery life

The MediaTek Helio P23 is a lower mid-range SoC and is fully adequate for all everyday tasks and simple games. With 3 GB RAM and 32 GB internal eMCC memory, the GX290 offers a solid configuration, but the latter shows comparatively weak write rates in the test.

The surface temperatures of the smartphone remain pleasantly low at all times and are only warm to the touch in places even under load. 

The loudspeaker on the back is more practical and delivers a usable sound as long as the volume isn't turned to the stop. The audio jack doesn't have much room, which should be considered with thicker plugs. 

Thanks to the 6,200 mAh battery, the Gigaset GX290 offers very good battery life and can take the lead in the comparison field, which was to be expected due to the largest energy storage. With PE+, the battery can be recharged quite quickly in just over three hours, wirelessly it takes longer. 

Geekbench 5.0
5.0 Single-Core (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
159 Points
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (150 - 159, n=2)
154.5 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (703 - 1668, n=12, last 2 years)
963 Points +506%
5.0 Multi-Core (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
807 Points
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (807 - 902, n=2)
855 Points +6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1908 - 4353, n=12, last 2 years)
3139 Points +289%
PCMark for Android
Work performance score (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
6316 Points
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
11141 Points
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
6379 Points
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (5840 - 6771, n=6)
6205 Points
Average of class Smartphone
  (10884 - 19297, n=2, last 2 years)
15091 Points
Work 2.0 performance score (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
5133 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
5309 Points +3%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
8142 Points +59%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
4960 Points -3%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (4693 - 5133, n=7)
4924 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9101 - 12871, n=4, last 2 years)
10872 Points +112%
3DMark
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
11194 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
13688 Points +22%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
11505 Points +3%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (10772 - 12134, n=8)
11141 Points 0%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Graphics Score (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
10913 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
13711 Points +26%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
11234 Points +3%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (1152 - 12065, n=8)
9878 Points -9%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
12304 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
13610 Points +11%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
12566 Points +2%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (10234 - 12577, n=8)
11241 Points -9%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
725 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
876 Points +21%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1406 Points +94%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
720 Points -1%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (654 - 728, n=8)
697 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (712 - 7285, n=52, last 2 years)
3548 Points +389%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Graphics (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
633 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
766 Points +21%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1253 Points +98%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
616 Points -3%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (575 - 633, n=8)
605 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (618 - 9451, n=52, last 2 years)
3905 Points +517%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Physics (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1483 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1756 Points +18%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
2459 Points +66%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
1754 Points +18%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (1365 - 1774, n=8)
1553 Points +5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1093 - 4525, n=52, last 2 years)
3005 Points +103%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
733 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
937 Points +28%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1729 Points +136%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
753 Points +3%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (690 - 765, n=8)
721 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (704 - 23024, n=115, last 2 years)
9038 Points +1133%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
636 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
826 Points +30%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1580 Points +148%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
643 Points +1%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (598 - 654, n=8)
622 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (607 - 45492, n=114, last 2 years)
15757 Points +2378%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1571 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1768 Points +13%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
2585 Points +65%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
1882 Points +20%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (1473 - 1888, n=8)
1632 Points +4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1075 - 8749, n=114, last 2 years)
4335 Points +176%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
527 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
654 Points +24%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1250 Points +137%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
477 Points -9%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (439 - 527, n=8)
478 Points -9%
Average of class Smartphone
  (286 - 7890, n=102, last 2 years)
2685 Points +409%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
445 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
555 Points +25%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1093 Points +146%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
395 Points -11%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (364 - 445, n=8)
402 Points -10%
Average of class Smartphone
  (240 - 9814, n=102, last 2 years)
2675 Points +501%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1489 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1747 Points +17%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
2511 Points +69%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
1768 Points +19%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (1374 - 1778, n=8)
1564 Points +5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (858 - 4679, n=102, last 2 years)
3127 Points +110%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
512 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
588 Points +15%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1243 Points +143%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
502 Points -2%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (457 - 515, n=8)
486 Points -5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (317 - 20131, n=174, last 2 years)
6545 Points +1178%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
430 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
498 Points +16%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1081 Points +151%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
415 Points -3%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (380 - 431, n=8)
405 Points -6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (267 - 33376, n=173, last 2 years)
9330 Points +2070%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1536 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1554 Points +1%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
2608 Points +70%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
1895 Points +23%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (1455 - 1877, n=8)
1648 Points +7%
Average of class Smartphone
  (938 - 8480, n=173, last 2 years)
4158 Points +171%
GFXBench
on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
6.5 fps
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
10 fps +54%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
6.9 fps +6%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
6.9 fps +6%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (3.5 - 6.5, n=7)
4.73 fps -27%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.6 - 123, n=218, last 2 years)
43.3 fps +566%
1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
3.9 fps
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
5 fps +28%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
8.5 fps +118%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
4.1 fps +5%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (3.8 - 4.2, n=7)
3.89 fps 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.3 - 229, n=218, last 2 years)
62.9 fps +1513%
on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
3.8 fps
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
6.4 fps +68%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
4.7 fps +24%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
3.9 fps +3%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (1.4 - 3.8, n=7)
2.63 fps -31%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.8 - 105, n=218, last 2 years)
32.2 fps +747%
2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Gigaset GX290
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1.4 fps
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Samsung Exynos 7884B, Mali-G71 MP2, 3072
1.8 fps +29%
Ulefone Armor 6E
Mediatek Helio P70, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
2.9 fps +107%
Cubot King Kong 3
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763T, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
1.5 fps +7%
Average Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V
  (1.4 - 2.4, n=7)
1.657 fps +18%
Average of class Smartphone
  (0.85 - 94, n=218, last 2 years)
25 fps +1686%
Gigaset GX290Samsung Galaxy XCover 4sUlefone Armor 6ECubot King Kong 3Average 32 GB eMMC FlashAverage of class Smartphone
AndroBench 3-5
37%
25%
40%
47%
1620%
Sequential Read 256KB
275.6
298.6
8%
287.5
4%
241
-13%
242 ?(25.8 - 452, n=247)
-12%
1468 ?(215 - 4512, n=210, last 2 years)
433%
Sequential Write 256KB
33.77
85.4
153%
103.3
206%
134.3
298%
100.5 ?(14.8 - 196, n=247)
198%
1078 ?(57.5 - 3678, n=210, last 2 years)
3092%
Random Read 4KB
33.33
59.6
79%
43.4
30%
17.21
-48%
43.2 ?(3.59 - 117.2, n=247)
30%
242 ?(22.2 - 543, n=210, last 2 years)
626%
Random Write 4KB
10.95
10.38
-5%
15.8
44%
11.21
2%
22.4 ?(0.75 - 91, n=247)
105%
266 ?(13 - 709, n=210, last 2 years)
2329%
Sequential Read 256KB SDCard
81.1 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
79.6 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-2%
41.7 ?(Kingston 32GB)
-49%
81.2
0%
71.8 ?(8.2 - 96.5, n=178)
-11%
Sequential Write 256KB SDCard
74.3 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
64.3 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-13%
11.2 ?(Kingston 32GB)
-85%
74.3
0%
52.9 ?(3.4 - 87.1, n=178)
-29%

Temperature

Max. Load
 33.8 °C
93 F
33.9 °C
93 F
34.7 °C
94 F
 
 33.9 °C
93 F
33.6 °C
92 F
36.3 °C
97 F
 
 33 °C
91 F
32.5 °C
91 F
36.2 °C
97 F
 
Maximum: 36.3 °C = 97 F
Average: 34.2 °C = 94 F
29.6 °C
85 F
30.2 °C
86 F
32 °C
90 F
28.7 °C
84 F
30.1 °C
86 F
31.7 °C
89 F
30.1 °C
86 F
30.5 °C
87 F
31.6 °C
89 F
Maximum: 32 °C = 90 F
Average: 30.5 °C = 87 F
Power Supply (max.)  28.8 °C = 84 F | Room Temperature 22 °C = 72 F | Voltcraft IR-260
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 34.2 °C / 94 F, compared to the average of 32.7 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 36.3 °C / 97 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 32 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 30.2 °C / 86 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.


Loudspeakers

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2032.239.72536.227.53129.127.8403029.65042.344.26326.827.18020.3231002521.812517.223.916017.928.720017.130.825017.93831516.244.540016.549.850015.358.363015.664.480015.671100014.876.3125014.474160014.673.3200014.773.3250014.170.9315014.475400014.478.3500014.980.9630014.773.6800014.5681000014.863.7125001560.51600016.653.9SPL27.186.8N0.962.8median 15median 64.4Delta1.313.636.734.137.130.228.128.527.626.937.536.122.931.723.828.521.325.519.128.118.444.917.941.817.746.917.953.314.658.515.960.915.265.416.269.11471.21570.814.771.114.471.214.67314.277.414.777.614.674.514.975.415.17715.172.214.86115.152.527.285.90.963.4median 15.1median 69.11.410hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseGigaset GX290Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Gigaset GX290 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (86.8 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 33.1% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (8.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 8.3% higher than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (8.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 8.7% higher than median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (8.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (29.5% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 73% of all tested devices in this class were better, 4% similar, 23% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 85% of all tested devices were better, 3% similar, 12% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (85.9 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 29% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (11.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.8% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (4.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 6.2% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (4.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (21.9% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 38% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 55% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 58% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 36% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Battery life

Gigaset GX290
6200 mAh
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s
2800 mAh
Ulefone Armor 6E
5000 mAh
Cubot King Kong 3
6000 mAh
Average of class Smartphone
 
Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
1316
619
-53%
942
-28%
1267
-4%
908 ?(424 - 2844, n=219, last 2 years)
-31%
Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing (Chrome 78)
21h 56min

Pros

+ robust case with IP68
+ long battery life
+ wireless LAden and PE+
+ bright IPS display ...

Cons

- ... with weak color representation
- no exFAT support
- no DRM certification

Verdict - Robust and enduring

Gigaset GX290 review. Test device provided by Gigaset Germany.
Gigaset GX290 review. Test device provided by Gigaset Germany.

The Gigaset GX290 is a good outdoor smartphone, which convinces with its high resistance and long battery life. The display has a sufficiently high resolution due to its size and above all offers high luminosity reserves. However, Gigaset should have gone to a little more trouble with the color calibration. 

A big plus is the strong equipment of the smartphone. In addition to its robustness, there is also IP68 certification, an audio jack, FM radio, a quick charge function and wireless charging. 

The Gigaset GX290 convinces in the test with its hard shell, long battery life and comprehensive features. 

The Bocholters have to put up with criticism because of the weak loudspeaker, and neither the exFAT file system for the microSD card slot is supported, nor does the GX290 have DRM-L1 certification, so that protected streaming content cannot be viewed in HD. 

The SoC is fast enough for everyday tasks, but a newer and more efficient processor would certainly have been able to tickle a lot more power out of the battery. 

Nevertheless, the Gigaset GX290 offers an attractive all-in-one package for all those who are looking for a tough everyday companion. Another positive aspect is that Gigaset focuses on sustainability. This starts with the packaging, which is pleasantly small and made of recycled paper and grass fibres. The company from NRW also focuses on reparability, which is intended to guarantee a long smartphone life. 

Gigaset GX290 - 11/11/2019 v7
Daniel Schmidt

Chassis
88%
Keyboard
65 / 75 → 87%
Pointing Device
89%
Connectivity
46 / 70 → 65%
Weight
87%
Battery
94%
Display
80%
Games Performance
6 / 64 → 10%
Application Performance
50 / 86 → 58%
Temperature
92%
Noise
100%
Audio
68 / 90 → 75%
Camera
51%
Average
71%
76%
Smartphone - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Gigaset GX290 Review: Mobile phone warhorse with long battery life
Daniel Schmidt, 2019-11-11 (Update: 2019-11-11)